Isaiah is called the Messianic Prophet because so many of his prophecies referred to a coming Messiah and a new world.
Isaiah is the longest prophetic book of the Jewish Bible. Isaiah, son of Amoz, was born around 760 BC and lived in Jerusalem. He prophesied during the reign of king Ahaz, of Judah. Isaiah was martyred during the reign of Manasseh, apparently sawed in half. The name of Isaiah graces the entire book, however he could not possibly be the author since these writings of Isaiah span several centuries.
Modern scholars usually divide the Book of Isaiah into three sections, representing three historical periods and at least three authors:
First Isaiah
Chapters 1-39 are referred to as First Isaiah. This is the part of the prophecy that coincides with the lifetime of the historical Isaiah, the end of the eighth century BC. During Isaiah's life span, Israel was divided into two kingdoms, north and south. Isaiah lived in the south, in Jerusalem. Assyria had conquered the north and taken the people back to Ninevah as slaves. Throughout the life of Isaiah, Assyria was always a threat to destroy Jerusalem. It never happened.
Second Isaiah
Chapters 40-55 are called Second Isaiah. The Assyrians are no longer an empire and Babylon now rules the Middle East. The prophecies of second Isaiah refer to the Jewish captivity in Babylon. The people were demoralized and crushed.
Third Isaiah
Third Isaiah, chapters 56-66, brings us back to Jerusalem. It emphasizes the promises of God, justice, and observance of the Law.
Isaiah is called the messianic prophet because he was continually looking for one. Israel was always dealing with two serious threats: That of being conquered (by the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Egyptians, etc.) or of a weakening devotion to YHWH, which always resulted in retribution form the Lord. The purpose of this article is to point out Isaiah's specific messianic prophecies.
Prophecies
The first prophecy is one that John the Baptist referred to when he was preparing the way for the Lord. It comes from Isaiah, chapter 40, verses 3-5:
"The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "˜prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth. The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.'"
Isaiah's foretelling of the virgin birth is recited every year at Christmastime: "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel (God-with-us)." (Is. 7: 14) Not only did Isaiah predict the virgin birth, but also the place of the Messiah's ministry: "By way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the Gentiles." (Is. 9: 1)
The prophet continues in the same chapter to tell of the coming Savior's deity: "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. Upon the throne of David and over his kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice. From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." (Is. 9: 6-7)
The most compelling prophecies are those that deal with the suffering Savior. The latter part of Isaiah 52 and all of chapter 53 paint such an accurate picture of the crucifixion that the similarities are awesome. Here are a few of the verses:
"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." (v.5)
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." (v.6)
"He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth." (v.7)
There are many other verses in the chapter that, are hard to ignore if you are familiar with the gospel accounts of Jesus' trial and execution. Many of Isaiah's other messianic prophecies deal with a time yet to come and point to Christ's second coming and the establishment of God's kingdom.
When Christ returns to earth, He will rule it. "Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him. He will feed the flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young." (Is.40: 10-11)
Justice and kindness will mark his reign. "A bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench; he will bring forth justice for truth. He will not fail nor be discouraged, till He has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands shall wait for His law. To open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the prison"¦ " (Is.42: 3-4,7)
Many other prophecies point to a future kingdom:
A new heaven and new earth: (65:17, 66:22)
The final separation of the good from the wicked: (66:15, 22-24)
The earth will be destroyed: (25:8, 26:19)
A New World without war: (2:4, 65:25)
The Messiah's world influence: (49:7,23)
These are most of Isaiah's prophecies concerning a coming Messiah, and what He will accomplish. He also made many prophecies concerning Israel, many of which have been fulfilled. The success of Isaiah adds evidence to the argument for the divine inspiration of the scriptures.
Matthew makes many references to Isaiah's prophecies concerning Jesus' birth in his gospel. John says: "These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him." (John 12: 41)
